As the sun rose on the second day of the Game of Love, a renewed sense of anticipation hung in the air. The grand hall was once again prepared for the participants, its opulent decor gleaming under the soft morning light. The stakes were rising, and the games were growing more intricate with each passing day.

  Satsujin Sha entered the hall with Aira Kun by his side, his usual calm demeanor masking the storm of thoughts brewing within. Aira, on the other hand, seemed as excited as ever, her bright smile lighting up her face. Across the room, Mr. A stood with Naki Kun, his sharp gaze fixed on the stage where the masked figure was preparing to speak.

  At precisely 9:00 AM, the masked figure stepped forward, their voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd.

  “Good morning, participants. Welcome to the second day of the Game of Love,” they began, their tone smooth and commanding. “Today’s challenge will test the sincerity of your love and your ability to express it. We call it *The Proposal Game.*”

  The room buzzed with whispers, but the masked figure quickly silenced them with a raised hand.

  “The rules are simple. Each team’s male participant must propose to their partner in a way that is heartfelt, creative, and convincing. The panel will judge the proposals based on their authenticity, emotional impact, and originality. The winning team will gain a significant advantage in the next round.”

  Satsujin’s expression remained unreadable, but Aira’s excitement was palpable. She turned to him, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “This is going to be fun!” she whispered.

  Mr. A gnced at Naki Kun, his lips curling into a faint smile. “Ready to win this one?” he asked, his voice low but confident.

  Naki shrugged, trying to mask her nervousness. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

  The game started with each male participant taking turns to propose to their partner. The stage was set, the spotlight bright, and the pressure immense.

  Mr. A was called first. He walked to the center of the stage with a quiet confidence that commanded attention. Naki Kun sat in the audience, her eyes fixed on him, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension in her gaze.

  Mr. A knelt on one knee, his expression softening as he began to speak. “Naki,” he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion, “I don’t believe in perfection, but I do believe in us. You challenge me, you ground me, and you make me want to be a better man. I may not deserve you, but I promise to always try. Will you continue this journey with me?”

  His words were simple yet powerful, their sincerity undeniable. The audience erupted into appuse as Naki blushed, nodding shyly in response.

  Next, it was Satsujin Sha’s turn. He rose from his seat with his usual composed demeanor, but there was an edge to his movements—a subtle tension that only Aira seemed to notice.

  As he stepped onto the stage, he turned to face Aira, who sat in the audience, her smile bright and expectant. For a moment, Satsujin simply stood there, his gaze locked on hers.

  “Aira,” he began, his voice calm but cking the emotional depth of Mr. A’s proposal. “I’m not the kind of man who makes grand gestures or speaks of love easily. But I will say this: you intrigue me, challenge me, and stand by me in ways no one else ever has. If there’s anyone I’d want by my side in this twisted game, it’s you.”

  The words were sharp and direct, a reflection of Satsujin’s personality. But they cked the warmth and vulnerability that the judges were looking for. The appuse was polite but subdued, a stark contrast to the enthusiastic response Mr. A had received.

  After deliberating, the judges returned with their decision.

  “The winner of *The Proposal Game* is... Mr. A and Naki Kun!”

  The room erupted into appuse as Mr. A and Naki exchanged a small smile. Across the room, Satsujin Sha’s expression remained stoic, but Aira couldn’t hide her disappointment.

  As the crowd began to disperse, Satsujin turned to Aira, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. “Come with me,” he said, his voice low and commanding.

  Before Aira could respond, he led her to a quiet corner of the hall. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words.

  “I know I lost,” Satsujin said, his voice uncharacteristically soft. “But I don’t need a game to prove how I feel about you.”

  Before Aira could process his words, Satsujin leaned in and kissed her, his lips capturing hers in a moment that was both unexpected and electrifying. The kiss was brief but intense, leaving Aira breathless and blushing.

  As he pulled away, Satsujin’s usual composure returned, but there was a flicker of something more in his eyes—something raw and unguarded.

  “Let’s focus on the next challenge,” he said, his tone returning to its usual sharpness.

  Aira smiled, her disappointment from earlier melting away. “You’re full of surprises, Satsujin,” she said softly, her cheeks still flushed.

  The second day of the Game of Love ended with a mixture of victories and losses, but one thing was clear: the stakes were higher than ever, and the bonds between the participants were growing more complex with each passing moment.

  THE DEVIL IS COMING